Miss The Old Polaroid Photos? Check Out Polaroid's Mint Camera

Polaroid Mint Camera ($99.99): Instantly snap and print a photo with this fun camera that prints out on 2x3" ZINK paper that's also a sticker! Three modes, automatic flash and a selfie mirror make it easy to capture those perfect moments and share instantly.

Guys...not sure how I felt about this product. I was so excited to see how it worked and how much the photo paper was. My daughter had been given a different brand as a hand me down from a cousin and the paper was so expensive after the first time using we never bought more. It just wasn't worth it.

I have a soft spot for Polaroid photos. Some of the last photos of my mom were shot on Polaroid back in the 70's so I was so excited when I got one.

The camera looks way different then it use to. It is smart phone size and fits in your pocket easily.

The package comes with everything you see here.

• Polaroid Mint Camera
• Instructions
• Wrist band
• USB charger
• Starter pack of paper
• Warranty

Knowing how much we like selfies these days, Polaroid gave us a selfie mirror so we can make sure we are in the frame.

You can choose between black and white, sepia and color. You can also choose to have the classic Polaroid border or no border. It has a built in flash that I didn't see a way to turn off yet if there is one and it has a 10 sec timer.

I have taken 5 photos so far. The first was an accident and it is a photo of me and my biggest fan and I used a border. I also took a photo of my son without the border. I love them both. The photos come out fairly quickly and the paper has adhesive over a sticky back so you can peel and stick anywhere if you want to use them as stickers. The last few I  have used as regular photos by not removing the back.

The camera can hold a photos on a micro SD card but would need to be purchased separately. So far it worked out great except a photo I took last night at my daughter's school. It was a dark hallway with lights coming from 3 different doorways. My daughter and two of her friends were in the photo and I could see them in the shot but when the photo came out it was dark and a friend wasn't in the photo. I guess I should have held it landscape but he was in my frame when I shot it. Disappointed but thankfully another friend took the same photo so I do have one.

Watch Goddess and I talk about the camera and take some photos

The camera sells for $99.99 and kids seemed to love the idea of it. A friend of mine wasn't sure what to get her daughter for her birthday and has decided to grab one of these.

The camera comes in black, red, blue, yellow and white

Amazon has them with free shipping

 

You can get a 50 pack of paper for $23.59



Don't want to carry a smartphone and a camera you can get the Polaroid Mint Pocket printer. It has Bluetooth for Android and iOS Devices


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

Join Storm Boy Opening In Theaters April 5th And Adopt A Pelican #StormBoyMovie #WorldAnimalfoundation

My family like most of you out there love animals. We spend our day checking out videos and photos of various animals via You Tube, Instagram, Facebook and even spend weekends at the local Animal Shelter so when we learned about a movie called Storm Boy which was adapted from a book bby Colin Thiele about a young boy who rescues a trio of orphaned pelican babies we were excited and eager to find out more. AND...if this poster doesn't just hit you in the gut, nothing will. 

We love the tall grass, the boy clutching the pelican, the Pelican in complete trust to this small, lonely boy. It is an obvious bond that makes you interested in learning more.  

We were more excited when we were given an opportunity to see the movie and partner with Good Deed Entertainment "Storm Boy" and World Animal Foundation and adopt our very own real Pelican and thought what a wonderful idea for others. We are learning so much about Pelicans (who knew there were so many kinds of pelicans?) and after checking out the World Animal Foundation site, found out you can pretty much adopt any animal. I know so many people who don't need another candle, book, piece of jewelry or thing but an animal that they can help. Now that is a loving gift. 

My family and I received our package in the mail and were all so excited to see the photo of our adopted Pelican and today bought a frame to showcase our certificate.

In the package you receive:

A glossy photo of your adopted pelican

Adopt a Pelican adoption certificate

Fact sheets about your adopted pelican

and Animal cards with information on animal issues and how you can help

My daughter's first question was when can we visit our pelican? We can't visit, him but here is an adorable stuffed pelican for you to hold.

For activity sheets on the movie please visit my blog post.

My review coming soon.

  Disclaimer: I received a package, screener and stuffed pelican for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

Storm Boy Coming To Theaters April 5th - Activity Sheets #stormboy

Dealing With Teens On The Spectrum

This morning my son decided to be all angsty teen. In the car usually he wears his headphones and listens to whatever it is he is listening to. We never speak in the car in the morning. This morning I thought, let’s open up a line of communication. So I asked, “How are you friends at school? Has your friend come back from vacation?” The only reason I know someone is on vacation is because I read his phone. I own it so I read it. Both kids were told when they were handed the phones that we pay for them and until they can pay for it themselves, we would need to password to get in and would be checking up on their social media. I believe all parents should check their teens phones.

When I mentioned to my son that I had read on his phone that somone was on vacation he said, “I don’t know what you are talking about.” So I asked, “how about your girlfriend? Is she nice?”  His response, “I would rather die than have a girlfriend.” So, now I know he doesn’t have a “girlfriend” but in the text he wrote to someone “we are back together, we hugged it out and talked things over.”  Knowing my son, I don’t believe he has a “girlfriend” or does he....but a friend that is a girl so I say, it is not nice to say you would rather die”.  He started yelling that he doesn’t know what I am talking about and that I am trying to upset him.  Okay...I know he is a teen and a teen with autistm but this conversation has taken a wrong turn. In trying to open up communication, he is now shutting down and blaming me for ruining his morning

I tell him that no one can make you angry, it is on him if he is feeling that way because I am only trying to talk to him and that at his annual meeting last week, I saw him give 3 other adults that he has only know for the past 6 months a lot of respect and that it is not okay for him to not give it t his parents.  I tell him to see it from my side. My entire work schedule is based around his schedule yet, he never speaks to me in the morning or afternoon and that usually I allow him to zone into his headphones. I ask him to look at it from my point of view and he says. “ know what you are saying, I see it from your point of view and I am sorry. I just didn’t want to talk. Let’s rub it out he says as he rubs my shoulderr (he is in the back seat) I tell him thank you for apologizing but can’t shake the conversation.

We drive to school in silence and I silently cry. It is so frustrating that he is so closed off. Is it the teens or is it the disability? Autistic kids are very set in their ways and he really just wanted to listen to his music but it would be nice to have a conversation with him too.

Anyone else dealing with teens?

Taylor Schilling Stars in the Chilling Supernatural Horror Story THE PRODIGY Arriving on Digital April 23rd and on Blu-ray and DVD May 7th

OMG...I cannot wait to watch this movie. Taylor Schilling is going to be amazing and look at that DVD Cover!!!

Starring Taylor Schilling and Jackson Robert Scott  in the Chilling Supernatural Horror Story Arriving on Digital April 23rd and on Blu-ray and DVD May 7th

MARCH 26^th, 2019 (LOS ANGELES) – THE PRODIGY arrives on Digital April 23^rd and Blu-ray and DVD May 7^th. In her much-anticipated foray into the horror-thriller genre, Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Taylor Schilling stars in THE PRODIGY as Sarah, a mother whose young son Miles' disturbing behavior signals that an evil, possibly supernatural force has overtaken him. Fearing for her family's safety, Sarah must choose between her maternal instinct to love and protect Miles and a desperate need to investigate what -- or who -- is causing his dark turn. She is forced to look for answers in the past, taking the audience on a wild ride; one where the line between perception and reality becomes frighteningly blurry.

THE PRODIGY Blu-ray and DVD Special Features:

•  Commentary by Director Nicholas McCarthy
• Promotional Featurettes
• Gallery

THE PRODIGY Blu-ray Specifications:
Street Date:            May 7^th, 2019
Screen Format:      Widescreen 2.40
Audio:                     English DD 5.1, English AD DD 5.1, Spanish (Latin Spanish) DD 2.0 Stereo,
                               French Quebecois DD 2.0 Stereo, Commentary English DD 2 Stereo
Subtitles:                English SDH, Spanish, Quebecois, Commentary English SDH, Commentary Spanish,
                               Commentary Quebecois
Total Run Time:      1:31:38
U.S. Rating:            R

THE PRODIGY DVD Specifications:
Street Date:            May 7^th, 2019
Screen Format:      Widescreen 2.40
Audio:                     English DD 5.1, English AD DD 5.1, Spanish (Latin Spanish) DD 2.0 Stereo,
                               French Quebecois DD 2.0 Stereo, Commentary English DD 2.0 stereo
Subtitles:                English SDH, Spanish, Quebecois, Commentary English SDH, Commentary Spanish,
                               Commentary Quebecois
Total Run Time:      1:31:38
U.S. Rating:            R

ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film. TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions as well as all third party distribution partners on DVD, Blu-ray™, 4K Ultra HD, Digital and VOD (video-on-demand). Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets and digital stores throughout the world.

ABOUT METRO GOLDWYN MAYER
Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content across all platforms. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content as well as the premium pay television network EPIX, which is available throughout the U.S. via cable, satellite,telco and digital distributors.  In addition, MGM has investments in numerous other television channels, digital platforms and interactive ventures and is producing premium short-form content for distribution. For more information, visit www.mgm.com

Great Wolf's Blue Wolf Ears Campaign Supports Autism Speaks #GreatWolfCares

Like many of you, my family has been touched by autism. April is Autism Awareness Month Great Wolf Lodge is rolling out Great Wolf Lodge’s Blue Wolf Ears campaign. Throughout April, Great Wolf Lodge is offering a blue version of the brand’s signature wolf ears to guests for a minimum $5 donation to Autism Speaks. A limited edition collection of 10,000 blue wolf ears will be available for purchase at all 16 of the company’s U.S.- based resorts. 

All proceeds from the Blue Wolf Ears campaign go directly to Autism Speaks, with a goal of raising $50,000 to support its mission of enhancing lives across the spectrum at every stage of life. Last year, the non-profit aided more than 1 million people through Autism Speaks funded programs and resources.

My Fab Fit Fun Box Came In WOOT! WOOT! #unboxing #fabfitfun

Unfortunately, no affiliation but hey Fab, Fit Fun anytime baby, anytime. This is NOT a review, just an unboxing of a product I love

We Had A Jousting Good Time At Medieval Times In Lyndhurst NJ #medievaltimes

Last month I took my family including my Spanish in-laws to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst New Jersey. They live only about 20 minutes from the place for 30+ years but had never been there. Imagine?! I had been there two times before but it had been over 30 years for me.  Last year Goddess had gone with her 7th grade class and I was so jealous. I remember loving the colors, the cheering, THE KNIGHTS, the Queen and King, the food and the Jousting. It was a really fun time.

My in-laws are from Spain and go back every year since my father-in-law retired. They hadn't realized so much of Spain would be featured in the history of the show and loved it. I saw them taking photos in front of the signs.

What is great about Medieval Times is just how organized it is. The doors open and you have a few minutes wait as you are ushered inside. It was cold out but we got into the building quickly. You do not need to get there before the doors open but there was a line already forming at the doors when we got into the parking lot. It was too cold to take pictures outside so I waited until we were in. The lines moved quickly, there are hostesses helping you along. My in-laws were meeting us there. The desk took our tickets handed me 4 and wrapped my in-laws tickets around their seats. I was informed to tell them to give my name and we would all be seated together. You are given seat tickets for a particular color section. The color given to you will be the color of the knight you are cheering on.  We spent some time walking around, getting a drink, looking at souvenirs and buying way too many.

As you wait, there is an MC that speaks to you from a balcony. Basically the show is starting from the moment you enter the doors. He tells us that the Queen is excited we are there and that our seats are being prepared. You enter the arena by the color of your ticket. No matter what seat you get, you can see the show because of the Colosseum style seating.

The Queen greets the guests as the servers start pouring your drinks. They also ask if you are doing a regular meal or the vegetarian meal. Soup is poured and the royal falcon show starts. My kids were amazed as the falcon flies over us always heading back to the trainer. It is really cool.

The knights are introduced and your see your knight. It really is fun to cheer them on with your section while booing the others.

The meals are served. Chicken, potato, and garlic bread. My daughter asked for the vegetarian which was really good too. It was rice, potatoes, tomato and whatever else was in there. It was delicious. I ate what she didn't.

You can see my plate has chicken in it and the next pic is the potato and bread. They weren't out at the same time so I took a pic separately.

The show was fun. The knights are skilled and the weapons make all kinds of clanking sounds. They do protect the crowd with the use of netting that drops down just prior to the jousting beginning.

My daughter took some great pictures of the jousting.

I think my favorite things about Medieval Times is the cheering and booing. It is fun to get a bunch of people celebrating their knights or jeering when another knight wins a battle. It really is interesting to see how into it people get.

Dessert was vanilla ice cream with caramel over it. It was simple a perfect for the ending of the show. At the end of battle when one knight is standing, the queen celebrates him and meets him in the stands to greet one special girl picked out of the crowd. The girl this time was so excited. She was about 3-4 years old and so happy.

The best picture of the knight was looking over at my father-in-law who looked like a little boy as he watched the knights battle.

For more photos and video from our time at Medieval Time in Lyndhurst New Jersey.

Looking to experience this good time for yourself? Go to https://bit.ly/2RGt0f5 and enter PROMO code RF4020 at checkout.

Experience the New Show | Tickets 40% OFF Adults/20% OFF Kids - For the first time in Medieval Times' 35-year history, a Queen has taken the throne. Her Majesty Dona Maria Isabella presides over a tournament of knights who gather in celebration to test their skill against one another in a series of games, jousting, and combat.

The new story brings a series of changes to the show including new costumes, custom-designed and handmade armor, fight scenes, and musical score composed by Dr. Daniel May, who directed and recorded the composition in Kiev with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Be among the first to experience the debut of our new show.

Disclaimer: I received 4 tickets for my family to enjoy Medieval Times and for our honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

Family Friendly Movie About A Pampered Celeb and Her Pooch

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

The cushy Hollywood life of Latte the dog is turned upside down when her owner, superstar actress London Bridges, heads to the boonies to make a new film. The pampered pooch tries to stop thieves from stealing London’s diamond necklace from a farmhouse, but they escape with the jewels. With the help of hunky farmer Tom, can London track down the priceless stones before a scandal breaks out? This wild family adventure also stars Jay Mohr.

The 411:

Goddess and I watched this movie over the weekend and while it isn't the best quality or going to win an Emmy it definitely was family friendly. There were no uncomfortable scenes that made it hard to watch with a 13 year old who is embarrassed at everything.  

We loved the spoiled, selfish celebrity turned into humble girl as London learns more about herself and allows herself to fall for a farmer.  The star of the movie is definitely Latte the adorable, diamond wearing Pomeranian. She reminded me of my Pom Zoe who I had before Goddess came along.  

Worth a watch. 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered. 

Psychiatrist Offers Social Media/Momo Challenge Advice to Parents

If you’re a parent, hopefully you have heard of the Momo Challenge by now. It’s a dangerous “suicide game” that targets children on social media. Some say it’s just the latest internet hoax while others argue it is in fact very real. Either way: it’s an important reminder that parents need to stay on top of their children’s online and social media activity. As a mom of teens I am constantly taking my kids phones to see what they are up to. I check their social media, email, texts and photos to make sure they are navigating the world properly. It is hard even as adults yet we expect our kids to do it. I tell them until they pay for the phone, it is my phone so don't be surprised when I pick it up.

Vinay Saranga M.D., a child psychiatrist and founder of Saranga Comprehensive Psychiatry, offers this advice for parents:   

• Keep an eye on what your kids see online: When today’s parents were growing up, the only strangers and dangers they had to watch out for were those in front of them. Social media and the internet are a whole other world and parents needs to be vigilant about what their children are looking at, who they are talking to and what they are doing online. Limit what your kids do on their mobile devices and insist that they only engage on larger screens that you can easily see.  

• You have to enquire: Even if your children are well-behaved or you think of them as the perfect kids who would never get into trouble, you still have to talk to them. Don’t just assume everything is okay or that they aren’t engaging in anything dangerous. You need to be the one to bring it up at the dinner table and educate them about staying safe in today’s online world. Ask them who their online friends are, what games they are playing, what they are viewing, etc.

• Teaching common sense: It is the job of every parent to instill basic common sense into their children. Let them know that if they encounter something like the Momo Challenge, it is fake, they should tell you about it, close the page or take a screenshot and report it to the police or proper authorities. Teaching kids how to spot danger, scams and other bad things is a lesson they can carry with them for life.

• Do a mental health check: Just as you would keep an eye on your kid’s physical health, all parents need to stay on top of their children’s mental health. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen from the Momo Challenge, the online world is not all fun and games. Childhood anxiety, depression and online bullying are very real issues these days and must be addressed promptly and properly. Teach your teenagers that if they encounter a friend or classmate who is suicidal, to report it immediately or to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

• Check privacy settings: As parents, you can control the privacy settings on your children’s devices. Make sure they are set to the strictest levels. Don’t forget to check the settings on all phones, computers and tablets. In addition to the actual devices, remember that many social media platforms also have their own set of privacy settings that you can control as well. There are also standalone software products that can help keep your kids stay safe online.

• Age appropriate guidelines vary: There are all different guidelines for when kids should be allowed to dive into social media and the online world. The best advice is to take it on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, the longer parents can delay, the better, as this gives your kids more time to mature. Keep in mind that your 10-year-old might just be more mentally mature than the 12-year-old down the street.

• Watch the time: Just as you would limit how much TV time your kids get, parents must limit the amount of computer or online time their kids get, too. Encourage your kids to engage more in physical activity, more in-person playtime with friends, sports, books and educational activities. Online and social media time should be limited and reserved for when everything else is done or as an extra special treat.